Are you passionate about creating meaningful connections between Indigenous communities and industry leaders? Do you thrive in relationship-building roles where your work directly contributes to impactful projects and lasting partnerships?
The Industry Engagement Coordinator at akisqnuk First Nation (AFN) plays a key role in advancing initiatives that matterto communities, to industry, and to the future. As a crucial liaison between AFN and external stakeholders, you'll champion collaboration, foster cultural understanding, and help align shared goals for mutual success. This role reports to the Natural Resources Manager.
akisqnuk First Nation is a member Community of the Ktunaxa Nation. AFN exists for the Community. Externally, we are here to serve the Community, and internally, we are our own Community, comprised of different departments unified by our Vision, Mission, and Values. As a team, through our own roles and departments, the AFN Organization works together to achieve our strategic plan Our Thinking and continue to progress and move our community forward.
Note: This position is full-time with a set weekly schedule (35 hrs/week, Monday - Friday).
The primary responsibilities include:
- Act as a trusted point of contact between AFN members and industry groupsfacilitating open dialogue, cultural awareness, and aligned objectives.
- Organize and host community and industry engagement events that drive real connection and collaboration.
- Develop communication materials tailored to industry audiences that articulate AFNs values, priorities, and opportunities for partnership.
- Build and manage long-term relationships with Indigenous and industry partners, ensuring projects reflect the voices and priorities of impacted communities.
- Offer strategic guidance to internal teams to embed Indigenous hiring practices and business participation across AFN operations.
- Participate in senior-level discussions and negotiations to advocate for Indigenous interests in major projects.
- Provide timely issue management support and drive problem-solving for fast-moving projects and initiatives.
- Travel extensively to connect directly with communities and stakeholdersup to 75% of your time will be on the road.
- Other duties as required.
Qualifications:
- Diploma or certificate in business administration, Aboriginal History / rights, Public Administration, community relations, or relevant education
- 2+ years of experience working as a liaison between communities and industry
- Knowledge of the federal and provincial regulatory processes and consultation guidelines.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a proven ability to build trust and maintain relationships across diverse groups.
- Cultural awareness and a respectful understanding of Indigenous communities, values, and protocols.
- Experience in stakeholder engagement, public relations, or Indigenous affairs (experience with natural resources or infrastructure projects is a plus).
- Confidence in public speaking, event facilitation, and representing an organization in various settings.
- A collaborative spirit and proactive approach to problem-solving, negotiation, and strategic thinking.
- Experience working in Indigenous or culturally diverse environments is a strong asset
- Knowledge of language, history and culture of the Ktunaxa Nation is an asset
- NOTE: A criminal check will be conducted on the successful applicant
What we offer:
- Starting salary between $60,000 to $67,000, depending on experience
- Discretionary office closure between Christmas Day and New Years Day, as determined by the Council each year
- Paid annual vacation and sick days
- Employer-paid Group Benefits which includes Life Insurance, Health and Dental benefits, health spending account, Employee Assistance Program, Disability coverage, available after 3 months of service
- Matched pension plan with employer matching up to 5.5% of the employees salary, available after 4 months of service
- Live and work in the most beautiful place in British Columbia
akisqnuk First Nation is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals. In accordance with our commitment to reconciliation and employment equity, preference may be given to qualified candidates who self-identify as First Nations, Mtis, or Inuit. We encourage Indigenous applicants to self-identify in their application.